Eradicating Female Genital Mutilation [my book]

My book, Eradicating Female Genital Mutilation: A UK Perspective, will be published by Ashgate in just a few weeks now (September 2015).

I am unequivocally committed to eradication, but have also have tried to develop a sociological analysis of the issues; and whilst I have drawn quite often on the UK experience I hope the analysis will serve well as a starting point also for many other places in the western world, including the USA, Australia and of course the various parts of continental Europe.

This ground-breaking handbook details the present situation with regard to female genital mutilation (FGM) in Britain, referring also to other Western nations where FGM occurs. It scrutinises current pathways to eradicating this dangerous, sometimes lethal, form of child abuse and gender-related violence.

The cultural and belief systems giving rise to FGM are complex. Further, FGM is an intensely intimate matter often imposed on young and vulnerable children. Approaches to its eradication therefore demand considerable human insight and a competent grasp of inter-/cross-agency working.

It is also vital that everyone concerned – whether in caring and parental, safeguarding or other roles – understands fully that, regardless of custom or belief, FGM is a serious crime. The vulnerabilities and need for protection of victims and potential victims are paramount, but these pressing priorities do not lessen the requirement that all aspects of FGM be dealt with straightforwardly in accordance with the law.

This book makes the case urgently for developing a shared, coherent model – a multi-disciplinary paradigm articulated at the highest level – as the basis to achieve the eradication of FGM.

The text will be required reading for health, legal, educational and social services professionals, as well as researchers, policy-makers, school governors, journalists and other concerned citizens.

Contents:
Preface; Introduction; Demography and epidemiology of FGM; Socio-economic analysis; Perceptions and beliefs; Men, women and power; Clinical issues; Legislation and governance; Prevention: formal approaches; Prevention: communities; Prevention: information and education; Prevention: social services and multi-agency work; Politics and the media; Will FGM be eradicated in the UK in a decade?; Further reading: some suggestions; Multi-media resources; Organisations; Index.

About the Author:
Hilary Burrage is a freelance sociologist and community activist. She has been a senior lecturer in health and social care and a university research associate in community health as well as a non-executive director of Merseyside NHS ambulance trust and a trustee of the Liverpool school of tropical medicine.

Reviews:
‘ Not since Efua Dorkenoo’s Cutting the Rose (1994) has a monograph on female genital mutilation outshone Hilary Burrage’s. Outraged at ineffective child protection, Burrage provides a comprehensive, scholarly yet accessible guide – among the best ever to deal with FGM – to professionals and all people of conscience.’
Tobe Levin von Gleichen, Harvard University, USA and University of Oxford, UK

…..

Information on how to order the book can be found here (UK etc) and here (Americas).

Your important book will enlighten the world about FGM and will, hopefully, encourage more people to stand up against this horrific practice. I will most certainly order the book and promote it heavily. Thanks for all you do to keep hope alive that one day soon FGM will be eradicated. Peace and Blessings. xoxo

Hello Hilary, your book sounds promising. I get so cross with the people who say that stopping FGM starts only with convincing the families who use it. We have been waiting for that for decades with no result: It is a very serious crime and meanwhile thousands of little girls have their futures ruined. I met with Mrs May about it but with minimal result. Look forward to the book!